Director of Disaster Response Services in North America - World Renew

Job Title: Director of Disaster Response Services, North America
Department: Disaster Response Services (DRS)

Reports To: Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Salary Level: Level I 

Location: Byron Center, MI

PURPOSE: 

The Disaster Response Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for World Renew's Disaster Response Services (DRS) within the United States. This role aligns with World Renew's mission, values, and Five-Year Strategic Plan. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will shape DRS's vision, ensure program efficiency, foster partnerships, and expand World Renew's impact in disaster-affected communities in North America. Reporting to the Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, the Director will collaborate closely with program support, fundraising, and communications teams to enhance the effectiveness of disaster response initiatives. Additionally, the Director will engage with church and community partners—including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), the Reformed Church in North America, and the Christian Reformed Church—to strengthen resilience through preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We embrace diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate based on disability, culture, ethnicity, or gender, and welcome and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Strategy Development & Oversight

- Lead the development and execution of DRS's strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with World Renew's mission and values.
- Monitor industry trends and adapt strategies to position World Renew as a leader in disaster response.
- Ensure DRS programs support the organization's Strategic Plan and adhere to effectiveness, impact, and accountability metrics.
- Communicate DRS strategies to stakeholders and establish partnerships to enhance program reach and impact.
- Oversee annual operational planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
- Approve new partners and program sites, while actively exploring new opportunities for program expansion.
- Manage the DRS office and warehouse to ensure efficient operations and service delivery.
- Produce high-quality reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

Representation, Networking & Influence

- Represent World Renew at public speaking engagements and respond to media inquiries effectively.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with NVOAD, denominational churches, disaster response NGOs, and other relevant organizations.
- Identify and cultivate funding opportunities to strengthen DRS initiatives.
- Foster collaborative relationships across World Renew teams to ensure cohesive disaster response efforts.

People & Culture, Talent Development, and Succession Management

- Supervise and support a diverse team, including two Program Managers, an Operations Coordinator, and additional staff.
- Lead volunteer Regional Managers through regular meetings, training, and support initiatives.
- Conduct site visits to assess community and volunteer needs, ensuring alignment with DRS objectives.
- Integrate spiritual development into DRS activities by supporting staff through spiritual meetings and retreats.
- Conduct performance reviews and promote professional growth through ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Encourage professional development through individualized learning agendas for staff and volunteers.

Leadership, Management & Resourcing

- Ensure DRS staff and volunteers receive the necessary support from World Renew's resources to maximize program impact.
- Uphold program quality standards, ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles and Core Humanitarian Standards.
- Participate in organization-wide teams, committees, and working groups to contribute to collective initiatives.
- Monitor DRS's safety and security performance, ensuring effective risk management and staff accountability.
- Develop and implement strategies for resource acquisition, collaborating with the Marcom and Donor Advisement teams for fundraising.
- Support relevant staff in grant applications to sustain DRS activities.
- Oversee financial and resource management to ensure efficient use aligned with organizational objectives.

Additional Responsibilities

- Oversee the maintenance and safety of the Byron Center facility.
- Chair the Building Maintenance Committee, supervising staff responsible for facility-related tasks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. 

- Strong commitment to World Renew's mission and values, with active involvement in a local Christian community.
- Extensive experience in disaster response, program development, volunteer management, and financial oversight.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse groups.
- Proven track record in engaging local churches and community organizations in development efforts and holistic community transformation.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to develop and articulate a shared vision for DRS within World Renew.
- Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming work environment.
- Dedication to advancing gender equality, equity, and justice across all programming and organizational policies.
- Proven ability to navigate complex organizational structures and lead transformative change.
- Experience managing operational risk and ensuring staff safety in disaster contexts.
- Strong financial oversight skills, including securing program funding and resource management.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with partners and build alliances for disaster response and community development.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

- Bachelor's Degree Required: A degree in a related field (such as humanitarian affairs, international development, social work, or public administration) is essential to provide foundational knowledge for managing programs and understanding community needs.
- Master's Degree Preferred: An advanced degree is preferred, indicating enhanced knowledge and skills critical for strategic planning, financial management, and program development.
- Minimum of 8 Years of Experience: At least eight years of experience in disaster response or community development is essential, reflecting the depth of understanding needed for strategic oversight, partnership development, and operational management.
- Experience in Disaster Response or Community Development: Direct experience in these areas is crucial, as the role involves overseeing disaster response initiatives and understanding local dynamics for effective recovery processes.
- Management of Large Teams and Budgets: Proven experience in managing large teams and significant program budgets is essential for ensuring operational success and financial accountability.
- Experience with Volunteer-Based Programs and Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations: Experience in these areas is highly desirable, as the position emphasizes collaboration with churches and community partners, indicating familiarity with unique challenges and opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

- Certifications: Possession of relevant certifications, such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or equivalent qualifications in disaster management, is a plus.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in languages relevant to the operational areas may enhance communication and community engagement.
- Cultural Competency: Demonstrated experience working in diverse cultural settings or with marginalized communities is preferred, showcasing an ability to navigate and address varying community needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to safely navigate disaster and reconstruction sites.
• Must be able to travel regularly.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• Traditional office setting with attached warehouse. 
• Some work from home.  
• 30% travel to different disaster sites and meetings throughout the year, including international travel. 

With World Renew's commitment to Core Humanitarian Standard and Safeguarding responsibilities, as part of the recruitment process, a successful candidate can expect to go through a thorough background check.  

Why Work with World Renew? Values Flexibility! Effective January 2022 full-time positions transitioned to a 36-hour workweek (1,872 hours annually) with Fridays being 'Focus Fridays' #nomeetings  

• Work that follows a relentless mission to end hunger and starvation in the world  
• Full-Time Flexible Work Arrangements  
• Generous Vacation and Holiday Time  
• Embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Benefits include Health, Welfare, & Retirement  
• Professional Development Opportunities  
• Contributing to an organization that is making an impact in the world  
• Up to 1 week of paid time off for voluntary mission/service project trip.  

World Renew is its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is governed by its U.S. and Canadian Boards of Directors.